Bronx River Forest Hiking Trails

The Bronx River Forest trails offer a river respite from the busy Bronx nearby. Walk through a floodplain forest on the banks of the restored Bronx River, and marvel at how clean and natural this once-polluted river has become. See native plant and animal life, and look out over the man-made Bronx River Island right in the heart of the borough, mere steps from grounds of the New York Botanical Garden.

Points of Interest

Burke Bridge

Burke Bridge provides a great vantage point of the Bronx River. The stone and concrete bridge, built in 1949, is 45 feet long and spans the river. From this point, you can spot many forest birds, including red-tailed hawks, black-crowned night herons, double-crested cormorants, wood ducks, and many types of woodpeckers.

River Lookout

This lookout is an excellent place to appreciate both the floodplain forest and river. You can use the nearby boardwalk to explore the forest and its common trees, such as the silver maple, American sycamore, box elder, sweetgum, pin oak, river birch, and tulip poplar.

Island Lookout

Retaining Wall

At this spot, you can contemplate the many years of engineering work that first tamed and later restored the Bronx River. Enjoy the masonry work of the retaining wall and the calm river waters on the east side of the Bronx River Island.